511 is a great resource for bicycling information in Southern California. Here you'll find bike maps, information on how to take your bike on public transit, bike safety, bicyclist resources and more.
 

Bikes

BIKE SHARE

Metro Bike Share

The Metro Bike Share system makes bikes available 24/7, 365 days a year in Downtown LA, Central LA, Hollywood, North Hollywood, Westwood and Westside. Metro Bike Share offers convenient round-the-clock access to a fleet of bicycles for short trips. Metro Bike Share is one of LA Metro's multiple public transportation options for Angelenos and visitors to get around.

Metro Bike Share is a fast, easy, and fun way to ride, anytime. Get a bike from any Metro Bike Share station, go for a ride, and properly return it. It’s easy — just like riding a bike!

 

Long Beach Bike Share

Long Beach Bike Share now has over 60 hubs and 400 bikes. To sign up for a membership or find the nearest bike near you, click here.

 

 

BIKES ON
TRANSIT

Most transit agencies in Southern California accommodate bikes on buses and trains. Each agency has rules for bikes on transit, so be sure to check with your provider before taking your trip.

You can also take your bike on Metrolink, the region’s commuter train system. Metrolink has added Bike Cars to accommodate more bikes on select trains. The lower levels of the new Bike Cars are equipped with multiple stalls that are designed to hold three bikes each, as well as surfboards. Bike Cars are identified by a yellow “Bike Car” decal on the side of the train. Bikes are allowed on ALL Metrolink train cars and each train car is designed to hold three bikes.  The special Bike Cars are designed to hold 9 bikes on the lower level.

Amtrak allows you to add a bike to your ticket purchase. Bringing a bike on board is free but there are limited bikes allowed per train. See the Amtrak bike page for more details.

Los Angeles County

Metro welcomes bikes on rail and bus services.

Bicycles are allowed on Metro Rail with some restrictions during peak hours.

Bicycle racks on Metro buses are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you leave your bike on a bus, please check the Metro Lost & Found to retrieve it.

 

Orange County

If you are traveling a long distance, you can ride your bicycle to a bus stop and take a bus to your destination. All OCTA buses are equipped with bicycle racks, located at the front of the vehicle that can carry two bicycles at a time. Note that the driver is not required to help you load or unload your bike. OCTA buses can hold most bikes that meet these specifications:

  • Wheel Size: 20-29 inches in diameter
  • Wheelbase: 44 inches maximum axle to axle
  • Tire Width: no more than 2.35 inches

Learn more about bicycling in Orange County.

San Bernardino County

Bicycle racks were installed on Omnitrans' buses in 1996. There is no extra charge for bringing your bike along. Your bike rides free.

Riverside County

RTA’s Bikes On Bus program features bike racks on all fixed-route buses. All you have to do is ride your bike to the nearest RTA bus stop, load your bike onto the bike rack and go to your destination. Two bikes are allowed per bike rack, and space is available on a first-come, first-served basis. No bikes will be allowed inside the bus.

 

 
   
   

 

BIKE MAPS

Looking for a better bike route? Bike maps can help you find dedicated off-road bike paths, on-road striped bike lanes and popular routes in Southern California. Several public agencies publish bike maps for areas in the region, so select your county, find your map and start riding!

 

Los Angeles County

View a Los Angeles County Bike Map. Provided by Metro.

Download a copy of the Los Angeles County Bike Map from Metro.

Learn more about bicycling in Los Angeles County.

City of Burbank

City of Long Beach

City of Santa Monica

Orange County

View an Orange County Bike Map, provided by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).

Learn more about bicycling in Orange County.

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County biking maps.

Ventura County

View a Ventura County Bike Map, provided by the Ventura County Transportation Commission (VCTC) and learn more about bicycling in Ventura County. 

 

 

BIKE SAFETY

Follow these basic bicycling guidelines for a safe ride:

  • Always wear a helmet.
  • Always make sure others can see you. Wear bright clothing during the daytime and use a light, reflectors and reflective clothing when it’s dark.
  • Keep your bike properly maintained and inspect your bike regularly.
  • Carry a basic safety tool kit, including tire patch materials, tire pump and first aid items.
  • Ride defensively.
  • Obey traffic laws: stop at stop signs and red lights. Use proper hand signals when turning.
  • Ride with the traffic flow. Always ride to the right unless you are passing another vehicle or turning left.
  • Do not ride on sidewalks.
  • Walk your bike when crossing the street.
  • Keep a safe distance from parked cars and watch for car doors that may open. Do not weave between parked cars.
  • When raining, the road is slick, so allow extra time to stop.
  • Be alert for road hazards.

For additional Bicycling Safety information, visit Street Smarts or the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA).  Visit LADOT Bike Program to understand how to ride safely and legally on public roads.
   

BICYCLIST
RESOURCES

The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation and works through advocacy and education for a bicycle-friendly America.

Find bicycle maps, books, tours and trip planning information from the Adventure Cycling Association.

The California Bicycle Coalition (CBC) advocates increased bicycle use, access, safety and education by promoting the bicycle as a means of transportation and recreation.

Los Angeles

The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) promotes bicycling in LA County to improve the bicycling environment and quality of life.

The LADOT Bicycle Homepage provides information on bicycle facilities, bikeway maintenance, safety information and bicycling as a commuting option.

LA.STREETSBLOG.org is a daily news source, online community and political mobilizer working to transform cities by reducing dependence on private automobiles and improving conditions for cyclists, pedestrians and transit riders.

Other resources include The Bike Center, they are proud to offer bicycle safety education and encouragement programs to get more people riding, the San Gabriel Valley Valley Bicycle Education Center/Active SGV, and bike co-ops such as Bikerowave.

Orange County

The Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA), Bicycle Club of Irvine, Orange County Wheelmen and Orange County Bicycle Club (OCBC) all provide additional information about cycling in Orange County.

Riverside & San Bernardino County (Inland Empire)

Get fit, save money, and improve air quality – all on the way to work. If you live or ride a bike to a Riverside or San Bernardino participating employer, you may qualify to earn $5 a day in gift card rewards—up to $125 in three months. You may also qualify for a chance to win a monthly prize valued at up to $100 and a chance to share your story in the Rideshare Spotlight.

For more information about IE Commuter’s incentive programs, call 1-866-RIDESHARE (866-743-3742).

BIKEWAY
CLASSIFICATION
Class I Class II Class III
Class I Bike Path Class II Bike Lane Class III Bike Route
A Class I Multi Use Path provides a completely separated right of way for the exclusive use of bicycles and pedestrians with cross-flow minimized. A Class Il Bike Lane provides a striped lane for one-way bike travel on a street or highway. A Class Ill Bike Route is a signed shared roadway that provides for shared use with pedestrians or motor vehicle traffic, typically on lower volume roadways, There is nothing different about the roadway, only that it has signs posted identifying it as a bike route.